Best Places to Eat in Portland, Maine: Restaurants, Bakeries & Donuts
Portland, Maine is one the best foodie towns in the U.S. Every time I visit I find more delicious and creative food spots. The options are endless. Sometimes when visiting such a big food city, it is overwhelming where to start. Don’t worry, I did all the work for you. These are my favorite spots I have stamped with approval. Check out the official Hiking for Donuts food guide to Portland, Maine.
Portland, Maine has become one of those cities we keep returning to — and a big reason is the food. I’ve been visiting since 2016 and have experienced Portland in every season, from snowy winter weekends to summer trips and peak fall. My most recent visit was in August 2025, and eating our way around the city is always a huge part of the trip.
Summer and fall are my favorite times to visit Portland, but the city is great year-round. Every place in this guide is somewhere I’ve personally eaten and enjoyed, with recommendations based on what I’d order again, which spots I’d prioritize and which Portland classics I think are worth experiencing at least once.
This isn’t a strict ranking from 1 to 25. I have my current favorites, but after that I’ve organized the guide by what you might actually be looking for: a special dinner, lobster roll, casual lunch, bakery, donuts or something sweet.
Lobster roll from Bite into Maine
My Current Top 3 Places to Eat in Portland
If you don’t want to read through the entire guide, these are the three places I’d prioritize right now. That could always change as I keep eating my way through Portland.
Bread & Friends
Bread & Friends has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat in Portland. We’ve gone back on several recent trips, and if you want a really good breakfast or brunch, I think it’s worth the wait.
The menu changes with the seasons, with local ingredients playing a big part in what they’re making, so there’s always something a little different to try. The breakfast dishes we’ve had have been excellent, but don’t overlook the bakery.
Their almond croissant is up there with the best I’ve had. I also loved the savory everything pull-apart, and they make their own Pop-Tart-style pastries with rotating flavors.
Bread & Friends is on the smaller side, so brunch can get busy depending on when you visit. If sitting down doesn’t work out, I’d still grab pastries to go. It’s absolutely better than missing it altogether.
My picks: Almond croissant, everything pull-apart and whatever seasonal breakfast dish catches your eye.
Beautiful pastries from Bread & Friends
Scales
If I had to pick one Portland restaurant for a special dinner, Scales would be very hard to beat. We’ve eaten here more than almost any other sit-down restaurant in Portland.
You know exactly what kind of restaurant you’re walking into when you see the huge display of fresh fish on ice. Scales is right on the wharf, and the whole experience just feels like Portland. It’s upscale enough for a date night or special occasion without losing that Maine seafood feel.
I usually gravitate toward the fish dishes, and the halibut is outrageous. If you really want to go all-in, the Lobster Frites are another great choice. There are usually two or three orders on our table, and they definitely don’t skimp on the lobster. I just have a hard time turning down the other fresh fish dishes.
The oysters are always excellent too. And whatever you do, save room for the butterscotch sundae. It is a must.
I strongly recommend making a reservation, especially during Portland’s busier seasons.
My picks: Oysters, halibut or another fresh fish dish, Lobster Frites if you’re feeling extra, and the butterscotch sundae.
Pan Roasted Halibut at Scales
Eventide Oyster Co.
Eventide legitimately changed the way I eat.
I went 40 years without ever trying an oyster. We finally ordered them at Eventide, and now I want oysters everywhere we go. We ended up ordering multiple rounds that day, and they’re still some of the best oysters I’ve ever had.
Part of what makes the experience so good is the selection of oysters, but the shaved-ice accompaniments take them to another level. The Pickled Red Onion Ice and Red Wine Mignonette were our favorites. They’re little flavor bombs that completely changed what I thought eating oysters could be.
And Eventide isn’t just about the raw bar. The tuna crudo was delicious, and their lobster roll is one of my favorites in Portland. It’s not a traditional Maine lobster roll — the warm steamed bun reminds me almost of bao — but somehow it just works.
Getting into Eventide can be the hardest part. We once grabbed a 3 p.m. reservation because it was available and built the rest of our day around it. I’ve also seen walk-in waits get long, so flexibility helps.
Is Eventide hyped? Absolutely. Do I think it’s overhyped? Not even close.
My picks: A few different oysters with the shaved-ice accompaniments, tuna crudo and the lobster roll.
Plate of oysters from Eventide
More Portland Restaurants I’d Prioritize
These aren’t in my current Top 3, but they’re restaurants I’d still put high on the list when planning a Portland trip.
Street & Co.
Before Scales became one of our regular favorites, Street & Co. was our original Portland date-night spot.
The restaurant is tucked into a cobblestone alley in the Old Port, and the space is small, cozy and intimate. There’s an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work, which adds to the experience.
The menu changes frequently and focuses heavily on fresh seafood, so I tend to look at the specials. One of the most memorable pasta dishes I’ve had in Portland was almost like a tuna bolognese made with actual fresh tuna. It sounds unusual, but it was ridiculously good.
One thing that doesn’t change for me: the mussels. They’re a must.
My picks: Mussels and whichever seafood or pasta special sounds best that night.
Empire Chinese Kitchen
Empire is one of those restaurants I might not have discovered on my own. A coworker from Portland recommended it years ago, and now we’ve been back multiple times.
It’s an unassuming Cantonese spot, but the food is anything but ordinary. Our strategy has always been to go right when they open for lunch so we can grab a table.
We usually order several smaller dishes to share and then split a larger plate. The lobster rangoons are a must, the soup dumplings are fire, and the duck lo mein is one of my favorites. We’ve also loved the honey walnut shrimp and stuffed bao buns.
What stands out is how fresh everything tastes. Nothing feels overly heavy or greasy.
My picks: Lobster rangoons, soup dumplings, duck lo mein and honey walnut shrimp.
Honey walnut shrimp at Empire Chinese Kitchen
Miyake
Miyake was one of those “wow” dinners where we kept trying things we hadn’t experienced before.
The restaurant feels elegant and intimate, and the food matches the setting. The sushi was incredibly fresh, but what really made the meal memorable were the creative appetizers and small plates.
The hamayaki was excellent, as were the duck nikuman buns. We also really enjoyed the maguro yukke. There were interesting combinations and preparations throughout the meal that felt different from the Japanese restaurants we normally visit.
If you enjoy sushi but also want to explore more inventive Japanese dishes, Miyake is a great place to splurge on dinner.
My picks: Sushi, hamayaki, duck nikuman buns and maguro yukke.
Solo Italiano
Solo Italiano is another Portland dinner that really impressed us and has moved high on my list of restaurants I’d recommend.
It works well for a date night or family dinner, and the handmade pasta was one of the things that stood out immediately.
I ordered a special with prawns and squid-ink sauce that was fantastic. My wife had a pasta and mussel dish that was phenomenal, and we finished with pistachio cake.
If you’ve had your fill of lobster rolls but still want seafood woven into a memorable Portland dinner, Solo Italiano is an excellent change of pace.
My picks: Handmade pasta, one of the seafood specials and something from the dessert menu.
Muscoli alla Genovese - Solo Italiano
Best Lobster Rolls, Seafood & Chowder in Portland, Maine
Scales and Eventide are already two of my favorite seafood restaurants in Portland, but if lobster rolls, chowder or a more casual Maine seafood experience are specifically what you’re after, these are the places I’d check out next.
Luke’s Lobster
Luke’s Lobster sits right on Portland Pier along the working waterfront, making it one of the more photogenic food stops in the city. The lobster roll was fresh, delicious and generously filled — they definitely don’t skimp on the meat. We also tried the crab roll, which was really good.
Luke’s is where I’d go when I want that straightforward seafood-roll experience with a great waterfront setting.
My picks: Lobster roll and crab roll.
Lobster Roll from Luke’s Lobster
The Highroller Lobster Co.
If you want lobster but don’t necessarily want another traditional lobster roll, Highroller is one of the most fun options in Portland.
This place is basically an excuse to see how many different ways you can eat lobster: lobster rangoons, lobster grilled cheese, fried lobster and, of course, lobster rolls.
The menu is creative without taking itself too seriously, and the laid-back atmosphere and back patio make it a good casual stop when the weather cooperates.
My picks: Lobster roll, lobster rangoons and one of the more over-the-top lobster dishes.
Bite Into Maine
Bite Into Maine is one of my favorite lobster-roll stops because they let you move well beyond the usual Maine-versus-Connecticut debate.
They offer several different styles, including curry, wasabi, chipotle, Maine, Connecticut and their Picnic Style. You can even try multiple versions as a flight.
My favorite nontraditional version is the Picnic Style, made with coleslaw, butter and celery salt. It sounds different, but the combination really works.
One of the classic Portland moves is pairing Bite Into Maine with a visit to Allagash Brewing Company. Grab a beer and a lobster roll while you’re there. We’ve also run into their food trucks at other popular spots around the Portland area over the years.
They now have a Portland brick-and-mortar location too, so there are more ways than ever to track them down.
My picks: Picnic Style lobster roll or a lobster-roll flight.
Gilbert’s Chowder House
Gilbert’s is one of those small Old Port spots you could easily walk past, but I’d stop if you’re craving chowder.
I tried both the clam chowder and seafood chowder, and what stood out were the huge chunks of seafood. These weren’t bowls that felt like mostly potatoes and cream with a few pieces of seafood hiding inside — they were packed with it and full of flavor.
My picks: Seafood chowder or clam chowder.
Seafood chowder at Gilbert’s Chowder House. Look at this thing!
More Portland Restaurants, Breakfast & Casual Eats
Not every Portland meal needs to involve a big reservation or waterfront seafood dinner. These are some of my favorite options for creative small plates, breakfast, lunch and more casual meals.
Central Provisions
We went to Central Provisions for lunch and built our meal around shareable plates.
The menu had a lot of interesting combinations that felt very Portland — creative without trying too hard. We gravitated toward several seafood dishes, and everything tasted fresh and flavorful.
This is a good choice if you like ordering a little bit of everything rather than committing to one entrée.
My picks: A selection of small plates, especially the seafood options.
Duckfat
Duckfat was one of my first real Portland food experiences, so it will probably always have a place on my list.
As the name suggests, this is not where you go when you’re looking for a light lunch. The food is rich, heavy and unapologetically indulgent.
My favorite is the meatloaf sandwich, and I order it pretty much every time.
Everything I’ve had here has been good, but I recommend approaching Duckfat with the proper strategy: enjoy the meal and maybe don’t put anything too strenuous on the schedule afterward. This is very much a clear-some-time-for-a-nap kind of lunch.
My picks: Meatloaf sandwich and fries.
The glorious meatloaf sandwich from Duckfat.
Dutch’s
Dutch’s is one of my favorite options when I want breakfast or lunch that goes beyond the standard diner menu.
They have a lot going on — in a good way. Breakfast sandwiches and burritos sit alongside lunch items, baked goods and donuts, and they tend to put their own spin on familiar dishes.
I had an amazing breakfast burrito here, and the baked goods we tried were really good too.
My picks: Breakfast burrito and something from the pastry case.
Becky’s Diner
We originally went to Becky’s after seeing it featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and it delivers the kind of classic Maine diner experience I was hoping for.
This is more old-school diner than trendy Portland brunch, with the added bonus of some interesting ways to work lobster into familiar dishes.
I wouldn’t come here expecting one of Portland’s big destination dinners. Come when you want something casual, familiar and very Maine.
Lenora
We ended up at Lenora because we wanted Mexican-inspired food one night, and it hit the spot.
The tacos were good, the margaritas were good, and the location made it an easy dinner choice. After a few days of seafood and lobster rolls, sometimes you just want something completely different.
I’d think of Lenora as a solid change-of-pace option rather than one of my must-book Portland dinners.
My picks: Tacos and margaritas.
Monte’s
Monte’s has more of a neighborhood-market feel than a destination restaurant, which is part of why I like having it on this list.
They’re known for pizza and grinders, and it’s a good place to grab something casual without committing to a long sit-down meal.
After a few days of working through Portland’s restaurant scene, sometimes pizza or a good sandwich is exactly what you need.
My picks: Pizza or one of the grinders.
Best Bakeries & Donut Shops in Portland, Maine
Portland’s bakeries and donut shops could easily fill their own food tour. Bread & Friends is already one of my current Top 3 places to eat in the city, but these are the other bakery and donut stops I think are worth knowing about.
Standard Baking Co.
Standard Baking Co. feels like one of those places everyone eventually ends up at when visiting Portland.
There always seems to be a line stretching out the door, with people loading up on bread. The bread may get much of the attention, but don’t overlook the pastries.
The croissants were really good, and so were the cookies. There’s enough variety that it’s easy to walk in intending to grab one thing and leave holding a full bag.
My picks: Croissant, cookies and whatever bread looks best that day.
Tandem Coffee & Bakery
Tandem is another bakery that can get very busy, and there’s one order everyone seems to talk about: the biscuit with jam.
Sometimes the most hyped item at a popular bakery ends up being a letdown. This isn’t one of those times.
It sounds almost too simple — a biscuit and jam — but they absolutely nail it. We’ve gone back to Tandem more than once, and I think it’s worth dealing with the crowds.
If it’s your first visit, don’t overthink it.
Get the biscuit.
My pick: Biscuit and jam.
Biscuit & Jam at Tandem Coffee & Bakery.
Norimoto Bakery
Norimoto is one of the more unique bakeries I’ve tried in Portland.
The pastries, cakes and tarts have Japanese influences, and there are both sweet and savory options. It’s a very different experience from walking into a more traditional bakery.
The kouign-amann was excellent, as was the plum and almond danish. On the savory side, the kale, feta and potato pie was another standout.
If you’ve already hit some of Portland’s classics and want something a little different, I’d put Norimoto on your list.
My picks: Kouign-amann, plum and almond danish, and kale, feta and potato pie.
The Holy Donut
The Holy Donut is probably the food stop we’ve returned to the most in Portland because, well, donuts.
Their signature donuts are made with Maine potatoes, which gives them a denser and heavier texture than a traditional yeast donut. They’re different, and I think that’s a big part of why everyone visiting Portland should try them at least once.
There are regular flavors along with rotating and seasonal options, so there’s usually something different depending on when you visit. I especially like them fresh, and maple and dark chocolate sea salt are two of my regular favorites.
My picks: Maple, dark chocolate sea salt and whatever seasonal flavor catches your eye.
Stack of donuts from the Holy Donut.
Tony’s Donut Shop
Tony’s is the old-school side of Portland’s donut scene.
The flavors are more traditional, the prices are more approachable and the appeal is simply that they make familiar donuts really well.
Sometimes you don’t need a donut covered in five toppings or built around a monthly theme. You just want a good classic donut and coffee. That’s where Tony’s fits into the list.
Eighty 8 Donuts
Eighty 8 is my pick when you want small cake donuts made fresh to order.
They have standard dipped and glazed flavors along with rotating monthly specials, so there’s usually something new to try. Because they’re made fresh, you get that warm cake-donut experience rather than something that has been sitting in a case all morning.
They also operate a food truck, so you may come across Eighty 8 elsewhere around Portland.
My pick: Mix a few classic flavors with whatever monthly specials sound best.
Fresh made donuts from Eighty 8 Donuts.
Belleville
Belleville is the bakery I’d choose if you’re specifically craving a French-inspired croissant.
The croissants were legit. I also really liked the chocolate chip cookie — thin, chewy and crispy in the right places.
My picks: Croissant and chocolate chip cookie.
Worth the Short Drive From Portland: Red’s Dairy Freeze
Red’s Dairy Freeze
Red’s Dairy Freeze is technically in South Portland, but I’m including it because it’s an easy dessert detour and the soft serve was that good.
This is the only dedicated ice cream spot we’ve tried in the Portland area so far, so I’m not calling it the definitive best ice cream around. I can tell you the soft serve we had was unreal.
My wife ordered one of their blended, McFlurry-style treats and that was really good too.
Red’s has that classic seasonal ice-cream-stand feel, making it an especially fun stop during the warmer months. I already know we need to go back because there are plenty more flavors I want to try.
My pick: Soft serve — then branch out based on whatever flavors are available.
Creamsicle soft serve from Red’s Dairy Freeze.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Portland, Maine
Portland is one of those cities where the food is reason enough to keep coming back.
If it’s your first visit and you only have a weekend, I’d start with my current Top 3 — Bread & Friends, Scales and Eventide — and then build the rest of your meals around whatever sounds best to you. Maybe that means a lobster roll on the waterfront, a bag of pastries for the road or an afternoon brewery stop with Bite Into Maine.
And don’t feel like you need to cram every famous Portland restaurant into one trip. I’ve been visiting since 2016 and I’m still finding new places I want to try.
That’s part of what keeps Portland interesting.
My favorites will probably keep changing as I eat at more places, so I’ll continue updating this guide as I go.
HIKING FOR DONUTS
A blog for the outdoors foodie enthusiast
Hi, I’m Mark. I live in Connecticut. I take new trips every chance I get. A good trip has a great hike, great food, and something fun to do. My goal is to search out new trips and share them to inspire others to try something new and exciting.
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Hiking Mount Agamenticus, York, Maine
Trail Description: The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region is located in Southern Maine. The Mount Agamenticus Loop is a popular trail that provides 360 degree views at the summit of the surrounding mountains in the distance.
Trail Info:
Where: York, ME Distance: 1.8m (1 hour) Difficulty: Easy toModerate Trail Type: Loop Features: Views, Mountains, Valley
How to get there:
Typing the location “Mount Agamenticus Trailhead” into Google Maps will take you to the parking lot. You can’t miss it. There is a lot of parking. It’s $2/hr to park and there is a barcode to scan for the app to use to pay. It was easy peasy in my opinion. And, worth the money based on how well they keep up with everything.
Coordinates: 43.21720438450835, -70.69198787482621
Link to google maps location here.
Hiking Tips
I suggest caution if it rained days prior. The trails in the forest are mostly roots and rock. Dry it’s no biggie but wet I don’t think it would be as enjoyable.
Download a copy of the trail map here.
There are multiple trail options. This guide is for the loop via Blueberry Bluff, Witch Hazel, and Ring Trail. The Big A trail has separate parking and is a 1 mile loop that’s mostly gravel & an easier option (stroller and wheelchair friendly).
The trail and parking lots are well maintained and great facilities. Nicest outhouse bathrooms I ever been in!
The Hike
Once parked at the Mountain Road parking lot, the beginning of the trail head is visible with markers at end of the parking lot.
There will be trail signs promptly upon starting the hike at a fork. Stay right and hop on the Ring Trail, which is the white marked trail.
As stated prior, the trail is very well marked. However, the trail is mostly rocks and roots. I saw some reviews mentioning that it was muddy and unpleasant after a rainstorm. And, I totally understand what they meant. The rocks and roots could be slippery. For us, it was dry and there were no issues.
There isn’t much of an elevation gain, only about 340 feet. But there is a small incline as you make your way to the top. Hiking along the Ring Trail, at almost 0.7m, there will be a small foot bridge with a path to the left at the end. This is the Witch Hazel trail. I did not see signs but based on the trail map, this was the way to go.
The Witch Hazel trail is brief. Only a few minutes to reach the Big A Trail. There will also be a small foot bridge.
And following the Big A trail at the top is where the first lookout platform is to take in all the views.
There is another lookout platform with stairs where you can see even higher out into the valley. There is also a fire tower, but it is fenced out and cannot be climbed.
Follow the Big A Trail out until it connects to the Blueberry Bluff, which is marked red. There is also an additional viewpoint here before the Blueberry Bluff.
Continue down the Blueberry Bluff back to the Ring Trail. Take a left at the sign back to the parking lot. You will cross the road at the end to get back to your car.
Southern Maine is tracking to be one of our favorite areas to visit and this was a great first hike in the area. Good hike to get the heart going and see some cool views. The platforms are a cool feature for viewing on the summit. And, the trails and parking lots are so well maintained. I cannot speak highly enough on that. I was not able to find a great guide with details for this hike so I am hopeful this will be helpful for others. It’s also good to see directions/steps before you go to get comfortability. Not a hard hike to follow but I understand where folks can get tripped up. I still do it many times. Luckily, my wife is always the voice of direction.
POST HIKE ACTIVITIES: The fun doesn’t have to stop here. Lots to do in the area. We stopped by the 90s themed brewery, Odd by Nature Brewing, for some post hike beers and nosh, which is about 8 minutes from the trailhead. And, the Nubble Lighthouse is roughly 15 minutes or so away. Definitely a trip to view. Cape Neddick is really cool. Many restaurants in the area as well. No matter what you decide to do, there is a lot to plan for a great weekend or day trip.
HIKING FOR DONUTS
Hi, I’m Mark. I live in Connecticut. I take new trips every chance I get. A good trip has a great hike, great food, and something fun to do. My goal is to search out new trips and share them to inspire others to try something new and exciting.
If you are looking for posts in a particular place, search City or State here.
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Acadia National Park Guide - Best Things to do
Acadia National Park is located along the rocky coastline of Maine and is the only major national park in the northeast. The beauty of the rugged coastline along with the variety of ponds, lakes, forests, and granite peaks are home to some stunning visuals. And, of course, a hiker’s dream with unique and exciting hiking trails that offer breathtaking views or easy strolls along the coastal paths. I can’t believe I waited so long to visit. My national park philosophy is the closer it is, the more opportunities I would have to visit. Thus, I put off Acadia. It took a major life change from a global pandemic for me to make the time to drive up to Acadia. My wife and I decided to take a long weekend trip and visit last October to check out some of the fall foliage. With only a few days to explore, we had an action packed itinerary and were able to enjoy lots of what Acadia National Park has to offer. This guide is based on what we did. However, there is additional info that will give you the tools you need to plan a short or long trip along with some practical tips.
Beehive Trail Summit views
About Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park comprises 3 regions: Mount Desert Island (MDI), Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut. The majority of the park is located on Mount Desert Island and is the easiest to access from Bar Harbor, the main town where tourists stay. Schoodic Peninsula is the area to visit if you want to get away from the crowds and is about an hour ride from Bar Harbor. Isle au Haut is a remote island only accessible by ferry. It takes a full day to visit Isle au Haut from Mount Desert Island.
The park costs are $30 per car, $25 per motorbike, and $15 per individual coming in on foot, valid for 7 days. Acadia National Park is open year round, however, roads and visitor centers close from late fall to spring.
Travel tip: Stop at the visitor center and get a map. Talk to some rangers to get info on hikes or destinations within the park.
How to Get to Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is found in Maine’s Mount Desert Island, off the east coast of Maine. The closest city to Acadia National Park is Bar Harbor.
Car: This is the most convenient way to get to the park. And, in my opinion, the best way to travel so you can go wherever you want within the park at your leisure. It is approximately a five-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts, a three-hour drive from Portland, Maine, and an eight-hour drive from New York City.
Flying: The closest airports to Acadia are as follows:
Hancock County/Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)- 8 miles
Bangor International Airport (BGR)- 50 miles
Portland International Jetport (PWM)- 173 miles
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)- 274 miles
Travel Tip: If you can not find parking or do not want to have a car, there is a park shuttle that runs during peak season. The shuttle includes stops in Bar Harbor, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, and various places in the park.
When to Visit Acadia National Park
The best time to visit Acadia National Park is in the fall, specifically September and October. This is when the park's gorgeous fall foliage is at full display. This is also one of the busiest times to visit but it is well worth the views and leaf peeping experience.
Summer is a good time to visit but this is the peak season. In addition, there is a higher volume of mosquitoes and ticks. Spring is another good option. Be wary, the weather can change quickly any time due to the park’s far north, coastal location. This can range from rainy to extreme fog to super hot or very cold. Winter is the least favorable option due to shorter days, road closures, facility closings and it’s very cold.
Travel Tip: Currently, during the covid pandemic, this has caused a huge spike in visitors to the U.S. national parks, especially Acadia. Expect the park to be busy, with the exception of winter, as this is the place to go if you are within 8-10 hours driving distance.
Foggy fall foliage at Jordan Pond
Best Things to do in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is full of many options for casual tourists, hikers, bikers, climbers, and photographers while visiting. Planning all you want to do can be hard but also the fun part. Here are some recommendations from our long weekend trip.
Views of the The Bowl from Champlain Mountain Trail
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset at Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the US to view the sunrise and the highest peak on Mount Desert Island. The sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean was a bucket list item for myself but even if you are only able to catch the sunset, the view is breathtaking. This was definitely worth the 3:30am wake up call.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
By far, this is the most popular area of the park. Parking is very limited so I recommend getting there at least an hour before sunrise. Once you drive to the top and park, you can just walk around the summit and look for a place to watch. No hiking is involved. However, there is a 0.3 miles trail at the top if you choose to do so. The weather can impact your experience. We dealt with quite a bit of fog all weekend. Due to the higher elevation, fog could block the views. However, the weather decided to cooperate and the skies were clear. And, we were able to see an amazing sunrise.
**IMPORTANT INFO**: This area of the park, you will now need reservations. The National Park Service has implemented a reservation system late-May through mid-October to cut down on traffic on Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. You can find details here on how to make a reservation.
Travel Tip: The top of Cadillac Mountain can be very windy and temperatures are much colder. Pack layers to stay warm and hand warmers, if applicable. Also, we brought head lamps to find a spot to watch since it was dark.
Go Hiking
The hiking trails in Acadia National Park can vary in difficulty, length, and elevation. There is something for all levels of hikers.
Some of the appeal to the hikes in Acadia is the excitement and thrill. There are a large number of trails with ladders and metal rungs. Similar to a via ferrata, you can hike along narrow ledges and climb up sheer rock faces with the help of metal rungs. Hikes that feature iron rungs and cliff walks include the Precipice Trail, the Beehive Trail, the Jordan Cliffs Trail, and the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail. However, if this is not for you, there are plenty of other hikes to choose from.
Starting with the easier hikes in the park, we did the Jordan Pond Loop, which is a 3.4 mile stroll around the Jordan Pond. Combining this with the Bubbles hike is an option. Check out my guide here on the Jordan Pond Loop Trail here.
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
Other easier hiking trails include: Ocean Path (up to 4 miles or less), South Bubble (1.5m), & Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop (0.3m).
The Gorham Mountain Trail is a good option for a moderate hike. About 1.8 miles with some steep sections. Unfortunately, we were met with nothing but fog at the top. It was a fun hike but no views to show for.
Other moderately strenuous hikes include: Pemetic Mountain (6m), Penobscot and Sargent Mountains (5m) and North Bubble and Conners Nubble (3.5m).
Let’s get crazy. Of course, we had to do the Beehive Trail. Aside from Cadillac Mountain, this is probably the next popular attraction and the most popular hike. This thrilling hike heads up to a steep mountain that features a section with narrow cliff edges, iron rungs to climb up and several handrails for exposed rock scrambling. This spectacular peak overlooks Sand Beach from the northwest. This hike can be very crowded and there can be a log jam using the iron rungs to climb. This hike is very dangerous so please take your time. If you have a fear of heights, this is not for you.
Hiking the Beehive
Due to the shorter time we had to explore, we included The Bowl and Champlain Mountain summit to this hike as well. They can be done separately but make sense to include. Adding these additional trails brought the hike to about 5 miles. The views were amazing. For more specific info on hiking directions, check out my guide here.
Views from the Champlain Mountain Summit
Additional intense hikes to be deemed as difficult options include: Precipice Trail, the Jordan Cliffs Trail, and the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail.
Travel Tip #1: Weather can shift your plans. Be prepared with additional activities or hikes. It might be too foggy for views or the rain might make hiking dangerous. For instance, any hike with iron rungs, I would not suggest to attempt on a rainy day.
Travel Tip #2: If attempting the Beehive Trail, get there early for parking. The Sand Beach parking lot is where you park and fills up very fast.
Drive along Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road is a 27 mile loop that takes you to all the popular destinations in the park. The loop starts at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. This scenic drive is a great start to an Acadia trip with some viewpoints and turnouts. Some sections can be very narrow and mostly one-way. The most notable stops along the way include:
Sand Beach
Thunder Hole
Otter Cliff
Jordan Pond
Cadillac Mountain (reservation needed)
Travel Tip: Be sure to grab a park map to plan your stops. Since the majority of the road is one way, you can not turn around if you miss something.
Sand Beach
Located on Park Loop Road, it is worth the time to stop at Sand Beach. From here you can hop on the Ocean Path Trail that is an easy walk along the eastern coastline. The trail is 2 miles round trip to Thunder Hole and 4 miles round trip to Otter Point. How far you go is up to you. You could stroll along like us and make some detours to the rocks & turn around.
Travel Tip: The main parking lot to Sand Beach is the biggest in the park. However, this is parking for all the trails listed for Sand Beach and located right across from the start of the Beehive Trail. We found parking around 8am. And, by 9-10am, the lot was full. Getting to popular parking earlier is always the best bet.
Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a natural inlet where you can watch waves come crashing against the rocks, creating a thunderous sound. These thunderous crashes are very dependent on the tide. Calm waves or low tide may offer an anticlimactic experience. We are able to hear the crashing noises but nothing too crazy as far as the water height.
Travel Tip: If possible, per research online, the best time to go is about two hours before high tide. Check out the tide charts here.
Jordan Pond House
The Jordan Pond House has been open since the 1890s and is famous for their delicious popovers. We stopped for lunch and other items on the menu as well were delicious. Get the blueberry lemonade, you won’t regret it.
Famous popover and Blueberry Lemonade
Not only is there great food, but there are great views as well. This restaurant is located at the shore of Jordan Pond, where you can take in the views of the North and South Bubbles in the distance. Also, this is where the Jordan Pond Loop Trail can be accessed.
Travel Tip: Parking is tough midday here. There is a small lot at the restaurant and then another bigger lot down the road. However, it is still not enough. We found better success after the lunch crowd after 2pm to enjoy a late lunch post hike. Also, their hours change by season so I would research before you go.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
On the west side of the park, the most popular destination is the Bar Harbor Head Lighthouse. The amazing views of the rocky coastline along with the lighthouse is about as Maine as it gets. And, this setting is what brings so many tourists and photographers to visit. Upon arriving, there is a very, tiny parking lot. Sunset is the best time to come but the absolute busiest time. You will need to get there a few hours before sunset to get a spot. There is a path to the right where you can walk right up to the lighthouse. However, if you want that coastal view, there is a path to the left at the end of the parking lot that takes you down to the rocks.
Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Travel Tip: Based on my experience, it was about as busy as going to Costco on a Saturday afternoon on a holiday weekend. We got there an hour or so before sunset on a Saturday. Cars were lined up on the narrow road in a log jam and park rangers were turning cars away. I did see people parking even down the road up to almost a mile and walking to it. My wife stayed in the car & I ran down to the path. When I got down to the rocks, there were so many people, it was hard to get a good view. I had to leap rock to rock and ask for people to move out the way to get a picture (politely of course because there was some yelling going on over pictures!). I would suggest going off peak hours or on a weekday if possible.
Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut
We did not get a chance to visit but I would have looked into these other areas of the park if we had more time. Schoodic Point is another great area to see beautiful views of the coastline, with far less of crowds. And remember, Isle Au Haut is only accessible by ferry. Please note that they limit the number of visitors allowed in the Isle au Haut section to protect the environment, so I would suggest stopping by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to plan ahead.
Carriage Roads
There are 45 miles of car-free carriage roads that run through the park. Here you will find hikers, bikers, and horses along the crushed rock surfaces. There are multiple access points and just another option to enjoy nature in the park.
Explore Bar Harbor
The town of Bar Harbor may be the one of the most exciting towns in the U.S near a National Park. There is so much to do here. This small town is full of great restaurants, bars, and unique shops. Everything is within walking distance and a very safe environment. Also, there are spectacular views of the harbor.
Where to Stay
There are numerous accommodations to stay near Acadia National Park. Airbnbs, bed & breakfasts, and hotels are plenty on Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor is the closest town with the most going on. If you want to stay a bit farther away from the crowds, there are options in the Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, or Southwest Harbor. And, there are campgrounds as well such as: Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor Campgrounds.
We stayed at the Island Place, which was affordable and convenient. Walking distance to food and 15 minute ride to the park. Some other options include the Bar Harbor Quality Inn, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, Shore Path Cottage, and The Elmhurst Inn.
Where to Eat
If you follow this website, you know it’s about travel, hiking, and food. All about finding the good spots to eat and you know I found where to get donuts. With that said, we actually only ate out a few times and packed snacks & lunch (Hannaford’s is right in the center of town in Bar Harbor). We went to Side Street Cafe for dinner, which is very popular. The wait was pretty long but it was an excellent meal. If you want lobster, this is the place. We actually got lobster stew and it was fantastic. For breakfast, we stopped at 2 Cats for some baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and donuts! Also, they have pretty funny cat puns at all their signs.
Other recommendations based on research to try include: Havana, Atlantic Brewing Company, Jeanine’s Great Maine Breakfast, Docksider, Rosalie’s Pizza, Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, C-Ray Lobster, & Rose Eden Lobster.
If you have any further questions about planning your trip to Acadia National Park, please post in the comment box below.
HIKING FOR DONUTS
Hi, I’m Mark. I live in Connecticut. I take new trips every chance I get. A good trip has a great hike, great food, and something fun to do. My goal is to search out new trips and share them to inspire others to try something new and exciting.
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How to Hike The Beehive Trail, The Bowl, & Champlain Mountain, Acadia National Park
Trail Description: This hike climbs The Beehive via cliffs and iron rungs that leads to The Bowl (a pond), and then climbs up to the summit of Champlain Mountain. There are amazing views from the summits and various spots on the trail.
Trail Info:
Where: Bar Harbor, ME, Acadia National Park Distance: 4.9 miles (5-6 hours) Difficulty: Strenuous Trail Type: Loop Features: Views, Mountains, Water, Pond, Cliffs, Summit
How to get there:
Sand Beach Parking lot in Acadia National Park. There are restrooms here. In addition, there is beach access and other hiking trails.
Hiking Tips
If you have a fear of heights, the Beehive Trail is not recommended for you.
If it has rained recently and the trail is very wet, I would recommend not including the steep climb portion of the Beehive Trail on that day.
Be sure to take this loop trail counter-clockwise. You do not want to climb down the irons rungs nor clog up traffic.
This is the one of the most popular hikes. It will be very busy, start early!
The Hike
The Beehive loop hike at Acadia National Park is probably #1 on most tourists' itinerary. This is a short and steep hike with some exhilarating but dangerous sections using iron rungs to climb up the side of the mountain. The hike is not for the faint of heart. The experience alone makes this a bucket list adventure. So, of course, it was one of my top priorities visiting Acadia for the first time. My wife and I went for a few days last fall. Due to time constraints, I needed to ensure I got the best bang for my buck. Luckily, The Beehive trail intersects with the Bowl which connects to the trail that summits Champlain Mountain. Now, you could do all 3 of these separately but this was a no brainer. This allowed my wife and I to see more amazing views in the allotted time we had.
The trailhead is located on the opposite side of the street, about 100 yards across from the Sand Beach parking lot. From the parking lot, start heading on the gravel path to the right of the parking lot entrance as you walk up to Park Loop Road. Cross the road and the trailhead for the Bowl Trail will be right there. Just follow the crowd! The trail is flat but rocky to start. After 0.2m turn right onto the Beehive Trail where Bowl Trail goes straight. Follow the blue blazed trail.
This is where the climbing begins. First are the short staircases. Then, there are a few narrow ledges with sheer drops. Followed by climbing iron rungs used to assist in the ascent up the vertical rocks. All completely exposed. You have some options here if you are not comfortable going up the Beehive Trail using the iron rungs. There is an option to access The Beehive from the backside or skip it entirely and choose to head to The Bowl. I enjoyed this as it was challenging and thrilling. And, the views were awesome. However, it is not to be taken lightly. It is dangerous. Take your time and be thoughtful to your fellow hikers. This part of the hike is relatively short.
At around 0.6m, we reached the summit of the Beehive Trail and enjoyed some amazing views of Sand Beach and Great Head. The hard work is worth it!
Continuing on the blue blazed trail, go straight through an intersection where a connecting trail leaves left. At 0.9m, this is where we reached the shore of a pond, known as The Bowl.
Follow the path with the wooden boards on the left along the shoreline for 0.1m to split in the trail. The Bowl goes left and Champlain South Ridge Trail will veer to the right. Take the right and follow Champlain South Ridge Trail. The sign indicates 1.6m to Champlain Mountain from here. There is an amazing view of The Bowl as you hike higher up the mountain.
Be weary of the blue markings along the trail and follow the cairns. There are more spectacular views at the summit of Champlain Mountain. This summit is less hectic than the Beehive so this is a good spot to have a snack and relax.
After soaking in the views, retrace your steps down to The Bowl. There are four paths leaving the summit, ensure you are heading the direction you came up. Once you get down to The Bowl intersection, bear right away from the pond and take the rest of the trail back to Park Loop Road for about 0.8m. You will pass two trails on the right leading up to Gorham Mountain and two trails on the left heading to the Beehive. Just keep going straight at all intersections.
This will lead you back to where you started. As mentioned above, we decided to combine all three trails so we can see more. I would highly recommend this particular loop in this fashion. Lots of great views. Amazing hike. The Beehive hype is real. Bucket list checked off.
HIKING FOR DONUTS
Hi, I’m Mark. I live in Connecticut. I take new trips every chance I get. A good trip has a great hike, great food, and something fun to do. My goal is to search out new trips and share them to inspire others to try something new and exciting.
If you are looking for posts in a particular place, search City or State here.
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Jordan Pond Loop Trail, Acadia National Park
Trail Description: The trail is an easy hike that circles Jordan Pond with many opportunities to explore the shore and observe wonderful views.
Trail Info:
Where: Mount Desert, ME Distance: 3.4m (1.5-2 hours) Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: Loop Features: Views, Mountains, Pond, Water
How to get there:
The Jordan Pond North Parking Lot is located on the left side of Park Loop Rd at the Jordan Pond House. There is another lot next to the restaurant for additional parking as the lot fills up quickly.
https://goo.gl/maps/oQGDyrrCaNHjccsb8
Hiking Tips
Weekends are super crowded. Beware! Parking can be tough.
Post hike, eat at the Jordan Pond House. Get a popover & blueberry lemonade!
The Hike
One of the more iconic landscapes you will see at Acadia National Park is Jordan Pond. If you find yourself in Acadia, this has to be added to your list of things to check out. The shoreline of the pond has amazing views of The Bubbles, two glacially sculpted mountains at the northern end of Jordan Pond. The views are great all times of day, especially sunset and stargazing at night. Not only are the views spectacular, but the rewards of delicious food at the Jordan Pond House is almost worth the visit alone.
This was my very first trip to Acadia. I was not a happy camper to show up to nothing but fog. However, as I am learning, planning trips for national parks is impossible. You take what you can get from mother nature. Even though it was foggy, my wife and I decided to circle Jordan Pond as intended. We did have a few moments where the fog began to lift for some cool views on the pond and a tease of that fall foliage we drove 6.5 hours for! But that dissipated rather quickly. Even so, the eerie look was pretty cool.
The beginning of the trail can be found at the end of the field at the Jordan Pond House. The trail will be split as you approach. We chose to head right to stroll along the east side first. This section of the trail is more level. There are some bridges to cross over the streams that flow into the pond. As we made our way to the left side, there is a dirt trail, boulders, and a wooden plank path through the wetlands. The last 0.5m of the hike was on elevated boards, which I thought was a really cool way to protect the ecosystem. There are various points on the trail where you can hop off and explore the pond's shores. Other than that, the trail is well-marked and pretty self-explanatory.
The other great thing is that you do not need to really hike that entire trail to see some amazing views. The Jordan Pond House practically overlooks the pond. We did not get a chance to eat there the first day so we came back the next day and the weather was beautiful. I walked around the east side again briefly and I was able to see the stunning views I came here for.
Make no mistake, the views are as advertised. BUT do not, at any circumstance, miss out on a popover from the Jordan Pond House. By far, the best meal I have ever had in a national park. That popover with the jam and butter and you have to get the blueberry lemonade, magnifico! We actually tried the bison meatloaf sandwich too. Pretty damn good.
For views like this in a national park, this is as easy as it gets for a hike, or leisurely stroll. The trail is for everyone including children & dogs. It’s a great starter hike to get blood flowing or cool down after some more treacherous trails. This is a classic Acadia hike that should be added to your National Park bucket list. The view of the water with the curves of The Bubbles in the background is quite memorable. And, when you finish, it’s time for a popover!
HIKING FOR DONUTS
Hi, I’m Mark. I live in Connecticut. I take new trips every change I get. A good trip has a great hike, great food, and something fun to do. My goal is to search out new trips and share them to inspire others to try something new and exciting.
If you are looking for posts in a particular place, search City or State here.
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Burlington, VT is a great long weekend destination. Lots of food and breweries in walking distance. Check out my blog post on the best food and drink spots in Burlington, VT.